Violence on Kuki-Zomi tribes, Michigan based diaspora condemns

Manipur: Indians living in Michigan in the United States (US) have condemned the ongoing violence against Kuki-Zomi tribes in Manipur, an official statement said on July 31.
“The Indian constitutional commitment to the principles of liberty, fraternity and equality compels us to raise our voice against the brutal acts of violence and repression that have been going on for three months in which more than 60,000 have been displaced, from 6,200 More houses have been burnt, more than 320 churches have been burnt and more than 170 villages have been burnt to the ground,” the Indian expatriate said in the statement.
Migrant members added that they were saddened to see videos on social media of women being paraded naked, gang-raped, tortured, and executed by improvised firing squads.
“Internet has been banned in the area for over two months and we fear that more of these videos will emerge once internet connectivity is restored.
India cannot call itself a democracy if it allows such genocide to continue,” the statement added.
Diaspora added that the principles of liberty, fraternity and equality must be upheld to solidify the foundation of a just and inclusive nation, adding, “Today, we see these foundations being deliberately destroyed.” have been”.
“We are appalled at the apathy of the authorities at the state and central government levels to stop this violence and protect these tribes,” it added.
It added that the Kuki and Zomi tribes, like many indigenous communities, have long endured historical injustices and discrimination and today, they face an existential threat as violence, rape and Evidence of forced displacement emerges daily.
“We call upon the local state and central Indian government to uphold the constitutional values ​​and take immediate action to protect their lives and rights.
Tribes,” the statement added.
It said that justice must be served, and that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes must be held accountable for their actions.
“We call on the international community and human rights organizations to join us in closely monitoring the situation in Manipur and providing support for the protection of the rights and cultural heritage of the Kuki-Zomi tribes.”